Glencoe, Oban & Kilchurn Castle

Let Stravaigin transport you to the bonnie, bonnie banks of Loch Lomond where we’ll be stopping off in the idyllic village of Luss for a stroll through the picturesque old village leading to the pier. From the pier you can take in the simply stunning views up and down the world famous Loch, as Ben Lomond dominates the skyline high above on the opposite bank. The Loch is the largest lake (we prefer Loch here in Scotland – it just sounds cooler!) in Great Britain and the North road to the Highlands nestles against the banks of Loch Lomond for it’s full twenty four miles.

Scotland’s scenery is unrivalled and you’ll notice a palpable change in the landscape as we wend our way into the glorious Highlands passing through Glen Orchy, one of the major homes of Clan MacGregor until the clan was outlawed in 1873. From here it’s on to Rannoch Moor. World famous for its wildlife, it provides great photo opportunities for the keen shutterbugs among you! A lesser known fact is that Rannoch Moor was one of the locations for 1996 film ‘Trainspotting’. (You’ll learn more about Scotland on a Stravaigin tour than any other, we promise you that…)

Now for Glencoe. For sheer drama, Glencoe simply cannot be beaten. Both stunning and haunting, The Glen Of Weeping as it’s also known, has a bloody and tragic air of history coursing through it’s unique atmosphere. The Glencoe massacre of 1692, where the government sponsored Campbell Clan attacked and murdered many of the MacDonald Clan of the Glen, is a brutal chapter in Scotland’s history. The word memorable doesn’t do a Glencoe visit justice.

Having dined on some wonderful Scottish fayre, it’s on to Castle Stalker, another Scottish Castle that wouldn’t look out of place in a fairy story. Sticking with the film theme, Castle Stalker was one of the locations for Monty Python And The Holy Grail.

For jaw dropping beauty, our next stop, the beautiful wee fishing town of Oban takes the prize. It’s the main ferry port for the islands off the West coast of Scotland and is also famed for it’s shops on the harbour front and it’s outstanding seafood available in it’s many restaurants and café’s. The seafood here really ‘hakes” some beating! (Sorry.) The imposing, granite built McCaigs tower overlooks the town of Oban. It is now a lovely public garden with unbeatable views of the islands of Mull, Lismore and Kerrera. St Conan’s kirk, our next port of call, is situated in the village of Loch Awe between Dalmally and Oban. Sitting on a crag high above the water amid vegetation including honeysuckle and roses, it really is a sight to behold.

Heading back inland we pay a visit to Kilchurn Castle, an ancient 15th century Campbell stronghold which sits on a rocky peninsula at the North Eastern end of Loch Awe. Believe it or not, you can still venture to the top of the ramparts to breathe in the surrounding fern green mountains and cobalt blue waters of Loch Awe.

On our gorgeous route back, we take in the Argyll countryside via the bonny Inveraray on Loch Fyne and over The Rest And Be Thankful mountain pass before home. Phew!

There’ll be plenty of tales to tell on your return home if you book this one day action packed tour.